Functional foods can be as simple as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, but many functional foods are fortified or enhanced foods and beverages. Functional foods contain biologically active components that have certain health benefits beyond just the vitamins, minerals, carbs, proteins, fats, etc. that we had already previously known about.

I am going to devote the next several blog entries to functional foods. I am going to talk about the ‘component’ in the food that makes it so healthy and then give examples of foods you can eat to get it. Here are some functional foods to get started:Prebiotics and ProbioticsPrebioticsWhat is it?Inulin, Fructo-oligosaccahrides, PolydextroseWhere is it? Whole grains, onions, some fruits, garlic, honey, leeks, fortified foods and beverages (read labels)What does it do? May improve gastrointestinal (GI) health, may improve calcium absorption

ProbioticsWhat is it? Yeast, lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and other specific strains of beneficial bacteriaWhere is it? Certain yogurts and other cultured dairy products (read labels) You may recognize Activia, DanActive, Stoneyfield yogurt, Horizon yogurt and cottage cheeseWhat does it do? May improve GI health, may improve immunity, benefits vary depending on the strain of bacteria

PhytoestrogenWhat is it? Isoflavones like Daidzein and Genistein; LignansWhere is it? Isoflavones are in soybeans and soy-based foods; Lignans are in flax, rye, sesame, and some vegetablesWhat does it do? May contribute to heart health, brain and immune function, and bone health. In addition, isoflavones may assist in reduction of menopausal symptoms in women